86 to 101: Virat Kohli’s final ODI window to break Sachin Tendulkar’s century record | Cricket News
It was the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup when Virat Kohli scored his 50th ODI century in front of Sachin Tendulkar, surpassing his idol’s record of 49 hundreds in the format. That innings put another Tendulkar record within Kohli’s reach. Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries remain the benchmark, leaving Kohli with a chance to become the first batter to reach 101.But the equation changed when Kohli retired from Test cricket on May 12, 2025. With his T20I career already over, ODI cricket became his only remaining route to Tendulkar’s record. Now, with the 2027 World Cup less than a year away, Kohli has 86 international centuries – 14 short of equalling Tendulkar and 15 away from surpassing him.His latest hundred, a 139 not out against West Indies in the first ODI of the recently concluded series, was followed by 29 in the second match and a golden duck in the third.So how many opportunities does Kohli have left, and can he turn them into the 15 centuries he needs to move past Tendulkar’s 100?
86 to 101: The century equation begins
India currently have 11 confirmed bilateral ODIs scheduled before the 2027 World Cup – five against New Zealand, three against Sri Lanka and three against Zimbabwe. India’s World Cup campaign will begin against Australia in Cape Town on October 7, 2027.The new FTP could add another six-match ODI series in South Africa in the weeks before the World Cup, giving India a chance to acclimatise to conditions ahead of the tournament. However, that series is not part of the confirmed schedule as of yet.
The Asia Cup is another part of the picture. The 2027 tournament is scheduled to be played in Bangladesh from June 18 to July 4 and is expected to return to the ODI format. A detailed fixture list has not been announced, but based on the 2023 format, India could play up to six matches if they reach the final.The World Cup itself will have five group-stage matches and if the team reaches the Super 7, they will play six more matches, with a semi-final and final to follow if they go all the way. A finalist could therefore play a maximum of 13 matches at the tournament.That leaves Kohli with 11 confirmed bilateral ODIs before the World Cup, with the Asia Cup providing additional opportunities before the tournament.For Kohli, the target remains 15 centuries.
India or overseas? The recent pattern in Kohli’s centuries
Kohli’s recent ODI numbers are markedly different at home and overseas. In his last 32 ODI matches in India, he has scored nine centuries. In his last 32 overseas ODIs, he has scored three – in Dubai, Chattogram and Colombo.
That split comes into focus with India scheduled to play five ODIs in New Zealand before the World Cup.Kohli’s overall record overseas, though, is substantial. He has scored 27 of his 55 ODI centuries outside India. Bangladesh is his most productive overseas country, with six centuries, followed by Sri Lanka and Australia with five each. He has four in the West Indies, three in South Africa and one each in New Zealand, England, Zimbabwe and the UAE.
Sri Lanka remains one of Kohli’s most productive opponents. Kohli has scored 10 ODI centuries against Sri Lanka, his highest tally against any opponent. The three-match series in December will be played in India, with the ODIs scheduled for December 13, 16 and 19. Zimbabwe follow with three matches on January 3, 6 and 9.
2027 World Cup: Kohli’s final shot at Sachin’s record
Kohli’s World Cup record gives him a strong base to build on. In 37 World Cup matches, he has scored 1,795 runs at an average of 59.83, with five centuries and 12 half-centuries.
The 2023 edition was his most productive World Cup. He scored 765 runs, including three centuries and six half-centuries, and finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. It was also the tournament in which he scored his 50th ODI century, moving past Tendulkar’s record of 49.
Only ODI cricket remains
Kohli has already crossed 15000 ODI runs, becoming only the second batter after Tendulkar to reach the mark. He did so in his 303rd innings. With Test and T20I cricket behind him, every international century Kohli scores from here will come in ODIs. He has also said that the 2027 World Cup will be his last World Cup for India.Fifteen hundreds remain between Kohli and 101.
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